Rodgers on Kelly commitment

Brendan Rodgers today outlined the characteristics which can help Martin Kelly become a valuable member of the Liverpool squad after the young defender signed a fresh contract extension with the Reds.

The right-back put pen to paper on a deal to extend his stay at Anfield on Friday, the latest in an increasing line of players who have committed their future to the club since the arrival of Rodgers, who spoke of his pleasure at the news.

Asked by reporters at Melwood about the 22-year-old's contract, the boss enthused: "Martin Kelly has shown a commitment to our vision here.

"He's a young player that really impressed me when I came in. He's got a great manner about him off the field, he's low maintenance, he wants to work, he's professional - and he was exceptionally good in the games that he played early on in the season."

Kelly has been sidelined for the majority of the 2012-13 campaign after suffering a knee injury against Manchester United at Anfield - and Rodgers explained that no date has been set for his return.

"His rehabilitation is coming along very well, he's getting stronger in his legs," the Northern Irishman continued.

"He's doing a lot of work on his upper body as well. There's no timeframe on his return but he's worked hard."

Expanding on the theme, the discussion at the club's training complex turned to the heart of Liverpool's defence and the idea that Kelly could one day form a partnership with fellow talent Andre Wisdom.

Just 24 hours after Jamie Carragher announced that he will no longer be part of the Liverpool backline after the end of the season, Rodgers admitted the future for both aspiring defenders is exciting.

"It will be interesting to see over the coming years," he added.

"Andre played at centre-half for the U21s during the week; he's played a lot of his career at centre-half. But he's also shown that he's adaptable and a modern footballer, where he can play in a couple of positions. He's done extremely well at right-back when he's been asked to play.

"Players get better and improve as they get older, and there's no doubt those two will. They are very important members of our squad going forward, especially Kelly.

"He's been here for a while, he really feels Liverpool as a club - and that's important for me, that I've got players who really understand what Liverpool is about."